22 March 1936

I have arrived in Britain; and thank goodness I left Spain, the civil unrest is escalading.  I can’t believe I have been over here in Europe for 5 and a half years! Despite the economic and political turmoil in many countries, I have truly enjoyed my journey out of depression and my adventures overseas, even though my journey was practically into the same depression but in a different part of the world.  As I reflect on my trip, I think of the highlights and the lessons I have learned.  My favourite country to have visited was France.  I loved their culture, their way of life, the sites and attractions I could see, but the main thing I enjoyed was that I was in France when there was no instability.  France was a great nation to visit and if I would go back anywhere in a few years, it would be France.  One lesson that I learned was how a world so big could be filled with so much conflict!  Everywhere I turned, there was violence, fear or instability; and sometimes all three.  Even though the people were nice to talk to, the country that they lived in wasn’t so nice.  I pray and hope that the conflicts ease up in their countries and living becomes easier for the innocent people who have to endure such pandemonium. 

The purpose of this trip was to not only go on a trip in honour of my Great Aunt Gladis; it was to escape the depression.  But the grass isn’t always greener on the other side! This trip has been a true eye opener for me and as I make my way back home, I will look at things twice and really appreciate how lucky I am not to live in such turmoil everyday but to live in Freedom.

I am so incredibly blessed to have taken part in this journey and truly comprehend the world as a whole and struggles that people go through everyday.  Aunt Gladis, I want to thank you for everything!  The money that you left me was a blessing in itself! But it was also a blessing that a portion of the money was used for such a great opportunity and adventure.  It is something that I will always be grateful for! 

Well this is my final entry for this journey.  I am packing my bags up for the final time and heading out to the SS Leviathan for my final voyage home. 

God bless and take care! Thanks for reading!